In September OSHA released a new guidance for controlling silica exposure in construction.  This new guide is aimed at controlling overexposures to silica that can cause silicosis, a potentially fatal and non reversible lung disease.This guide recommends that employers implement methods such as, wet cutting, vacuum and dust collection systems, ventilation and other controls to keep dangerous silica dust out of the air.  It also advises that employers should conduct periodic air sampling to determine and verify that they are well within the PEL (permissable exposure limit) of 100 micrograms per cubic meter.

“Workers in the construction trades not only suffer serious injuries and illnesses resulting from unsafe equipment but also from inhaling harmful dusts,” said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. “Providing guidance for reducing potentially fatal hazards associated with occupational exposure to silica dust is one of this agency’s priorities.”

For more information Please click the link below to download the new guidance.

“Controlling Silica Exposure in Construction”

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 9:05 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.